When Can Employers in Maryland Be Held Liable for Sexual Assault After a Company Event?

Employers in Maryland can be held liable for sexual assault after a company event in various circumstances. If you were victimized by a supervisor, coworker, client, or customer, you should seek help promptly. This includes talking to a Maryland sexual harassment lawyer about your legal rights.

Sexual assaults during and after company events are alarmingly common. While alcohol often plays a role, sexual assaults can (and do) happen in conjunction with dry company events as well. Regardless of the circumstances involved, if you were sexually assaulted by a supervisor, coworker, client, or customer, you have clear legal rights, and you should discuss your rights with an experienced Maryland sexual harassment lawyer promptly.

When Can Employers Be Held Liable for Off-Site Sexual Assaults?

As a general rule, employers in Maryland have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees. When an employer arranges an off-site company event, this obligation generally extends to the location of the event. The reason for this is simple: The law does not allow employers to escape their legal responsibilities simply by changing the location where an event takes place.

With that said, employers are not liable for sexual assaults in all circumstances. If an employer meets its obligations and an employee, client, or customer (or some other party) engages in a criminal act despite the employer’s reasonable efforts, the employer may not be liable in this scenario. Determining liability requires a thorough assessment of the specific circumstances involved—and this is one reason, among many, why it is important to consult with an experienced Maryland sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible.

What if an Employer Isn’t Liable for a Sexual Assault During or After an Off-Site Company Event?

If an employer isn’t liable for a sexual assault perpetrated during or after an off-site company event, other parties could be liable instead. Not only can the perpetrator be held civilly liable (in addition to being held criminally culpable), but venue owners and various other third parties can also be held liable in appropriate cases. Once you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will be able to evaluate all potential grounds for taking legal action.

What Should You Do if You Were Sexually Assaulted By a Supervisor, Coworker, Client or Customer?

Victims of sexual assaults perpetrated during and after company events should seek help right away. This includes reporting the assault to the police and seeking appropriate medical care as soon as possible.

Victims should also consult with an experienced Maryland sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible. While the police may investigate with a focus on pursuing criminal charges, if you have grounds to file a civil claim, you will need an experienced lawyer on your side. Maryland’s civil and criminal justice systems are entirely separate; and, if you have a claim against your employer, you will need to take specific steps to hold your employer accountable.

FAQs: Suing Your Employer for Sexual Assault in Maryland

Can I sue my employer if I was sexually assaulted by a supervisor or coworker?

Employees who have been sexually assaulted by a supervisor or coworker can take legal action against their employer in many cases. An experienced Maryland sexual harassment lawyer can assess your situation and help you make informed and confident decisions about your next steps.

Can I sue my employer if I was sexually assaulted by a client or customer?

Employees who have been sexually assaulted by a supervisor or coworker can take legal action against their employer in many cases as well. Our lawyers can assess your legal rights and take any and all appropriate legal action on your behalf.

What compensation is available to victims of sexual assault at company events?

Victims of sexual assault at company events can seek financial compensation for their treatment costs, loss of income and benefits, emotional trauma, and other financial and non-financial losses. Victims can seek reforms to their employers’ policies and procedures and other appropriate remedies as well.

How a Maryland Sexual Harassment Lawyer at Our Firm Can Help

If you need to know more, our lawyers can explain your legal rights, answer your questions, and advise you about moving forward. If you have grounds to seek compensation, we can take appropriate legal action on your behalf as well. We are passionate about helping victims of sexual assault, and we are committed to holding employers (and other parties) duly accountable.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation at The Law Firm of J.W. Stafford, LLC

To discuss your situation with an experienced Maryland sexual harassment lawyer, contact us today. Call 410-514-6099 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation as soon as possible.